Originally shared with friends and family on November 27, 2024. The above photos is a Silly Selfie of me on the grounds of Kylemore Abbey. More photos can be found here.
It was NOT my intention to wait eight months between chapters, and I do apologize. I had an unplanned move in a short time frame which took up most of my summer, then spent autumn settling in and trying to turn a weed patch into a garden.
As a reminder, words written in italics represent the original travel journal. Plain text words are edits for clarification within the original journal or post travel thoughts.
Make sure you check out my photos, which can be viewed here. Click on ‘A Northern Path ~ An Irish Adventure Continues’. Also, the photos will have more information about the sights than what I’ve written in my travel journal. I’ve also geotagged the photos so if you are inclined to see where exactly I was, you can select the little ‘i’ button on the bottom right of the photo, then select the map. The newest photos start on the bottom of page six of the gallery.
Chapter 7 ended after a day of exploring County Sligo and County Mayo, and I was heading to Kylemore Abbey the following day.
19 September, Leenane
This morning, I got up at 7am and took a shower. I had reserved breakfast for 8.30 and I was hungry. Breakfast the day before was so good – sausage, beans, bacon, white pudding, toast, and two fried eggs – one chicken and one duck. It was fabulous, except for the beans – very ketchupy. Today I had the same, but no beans. I got an extra sausage instead.
There was another guest who had checked in and was joining me for breakfast. His name was Richard and he was Australian-American from LA. He had the gift of gab. His stories weren’t uninteresting, just long winded. And he interrupted a lot. I absolutely hate being interrupted, especially by a man!
Connacht Whiskey – check it out (written in the margin)
Check out was at 11am and I was keen to get to Kylemore Abbey sooner rather than later. I finally pulled myself away and was on the road around 11am.
Of all the places that I’ve stayed at, so far Sunset View is my favorite. Michaela the hostess was very welcoming and the room was incredibly comfortable. I had a huge bathroom for myself as well. I would definitely stay here again.
Tully View was the most disappointing. It was very sterile and though Paul was friendly enough, it didn’t seem comfortable, although the bed was very comfortable – probably the best bed this trip. I’m surprised that it got raving reviews because the kitchen was so depleted of items (not like Mitzen View from last year).
The trip to Kylemore was two hours. It started raining buckets and I could tell it was very windy outside. Happily, though, by the time I got to Kylemore Abbey, the rain had subsided. I parked and after getting my ticket settled, decided to go to the gardens as it wasn’t raining. The gardens were quite nice with both fruits and vegetable beds, along with flower beds. It was a great source of inspiration. The grounds were quite nice and the wind howled on the mountain above but didn’t reach me.
I then went into the main house but wasn’t overly impressed, Biltmore, Versaille, Kylemore – you’ve seen one, you’ve seen them all. Still, if I had the opportunity to see the Downton Abbey house I would probably jump at the chance.
I then walked around and found myself by the private church. It was beautiful and had the most stunning crucifix I had ever seen. I’m still weird about taking photos inside a Catholic Church and didn’t, but I really wish I had.
I then walked along a pathway hoping it would loop to a view of the Abbey, but it didn’t. By now, it was about 3.15p and though I had already been by the gardens, I had seen a posting about the ponies being fed at 3.30p. I got in line for the shuttle as it would be quicker than walking. (I initially took the shuttle to the garden because it was there, but walked back to the house). While I was waiting, I struck up a conversation with an American couple from St Louis. They got to Ireland on Sunday and are staying until early October. They flew Aer Lingus but didn’t have a good experience with them (I don’t think Dr Hill had a good experience with them either). Anyway, as we were talking, it started raining buckets again. I stayed long enough to see the ponies being fed (Snowy and Egie) then headed back.
My last stop was the gift shop. I certainly helped the Irish economy!
I checked into Leenane Hotel, which I passed on the way to Kylemore Abbey. It’s a lovely hotel but I’m sure I’m one of the youngest guests here! I’ve run into lots of German and French tourists, especially at the abbey.
The hotel offers breakfast as part of the package and has a pub connected to it. As it was such a rainy day, I fancied something warm to eat and a pint. After I brought all of my luggage in, I had to laugh that I had so many bags with me – four for one person! But the pink one is only half full. I need to rearrange everything before my flight home and hopefully everything will fit! My master plan is to check the pink bag again with my backpack in it and have the small carry-on and my Bento bag as my personal item. (On my flight to Dublin, I nested the carryon in the pink checked bag and had my Bento bag and backpack).
Anyway, I came down to the pub and got a table by the fireplace and ordered a Smithwicks. Then later for dinner I ordered the Irish stew and it was amazing! Perfect dinner for a rainy day. I will sleep well tonight!
After dinner I was writing in my journal when I decided to invite an old man who was sitting by himself to join me. His name is Vince Kerrigan and is very nice. He seems like a local fixture as he knows a lot of the other old men who trickled in. Now, his friend Joseph has joined us. In ten minutes, local music will play in the lounge and I’m curious about it (It was good initially until they did a Maroon 5 cover!)
Drive on Louisburgh Rd next time, according to Joseph. Oh, and Vince said I looked 35!
Why do I feel guilty about buying Irish earrings for myself? I love Mom’s earrings so much but they are getting more and more fragile. I almost lost one of them twice this trip – once on the plane! I would be devastated if something happened to them. Still, I feel guilty, like I’m replacing her by wearing different earrings, which is utter nonsense.
Tomorrow I’m off to my castle.
Have a wonderful Thanksgiving!
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